Some residents worry that United-Albertson's deal spells change they won't like

Tuesday

Sep 10, 2013 at 9:08 PM

R.S. DOUGLAS

Even though the United Family says nothing will change after Albertson's buys the Lubbock-based grocery company, some residents have concerns.

"I never liked Albertson's; I love United and I love Market Street. I'm just afraid there are going to be changes that I'm not going to like," said Michelle Ford of Lubbock. "It is my favorite place to eat every day; I don't want to see anything change. Coming to Market Street is a great adventure for me, so I'm just not happy about it (the acquisition) at all."

Ford is specifically worried that United will change the types of products offered and lose the personal relationship it has with its customers.

But another Lubbockite said he'd be OK with the deal as long as the cost of groceries remains reasonable.

"As long as the prices are still where people can afford them, it will be good," said Daniel Martinez. "You know, Amigos - part of United - has hot food ready, and I buy it a lot because it's not a high price. Other than that, I'm all right with it."

Another resident said she'd wait and see what happens.

"I'm not real sure right now what my thoughts are because it's kind of new," said Faye Sigle of Lubbock. "Albertson's is a great store and I understand we are going to get to keep our Market Streets, so I'm very happy about that."

Eddie Owens, United's director of communication and marketing, was saying the same thing Tuesday the company said Monday.

"The United we were Monday is the United we are today and the United we will be tomorrow," he said,

But others also had concerns.

Carla Spahr of Lubbock said, "I feel that it could be a big mistake because United is very personalized towards the public - they are just very unique. Albertson's is more corporatized and United is more community-based."

Lee Schoolcraft of Lubbock is also worried about what the acquisition may bring.

"I would have to say I'm against it because United has done so well, and grown so much," he said.

Dora Tidwell of Lubbock said she was concerned about a loss of United's philanthropic support to the community.

"I'm just sad because of what United gives to the community, and what, when Albertson's was here, they didn't," she said.

Owens reiterated that United will remain the same.

"Albertson's understands who we are as a company and they have reiterated the philosophy 'if it ain't broke don't fix it,' " he said. "They know United isn't broken. They also understand that there is an opportunity for them to learn from us."

rs.douglas@lubbockonline.com

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